Labels are one of the most important components of WHMIS. Each label will include the product name, supplier name, whmis symbols, signal word, hazard statement(s), precautionary statement and supplemental label information. If you have not yet read our WHMIS Explained (Part One) blog post, you can do so here.
The pictogram is the first thing you will notice on the label, and with WHMIS Training, the user will immediately know the hazard associated with that product. Most of the time a pictogram is a red square border and inside that border there is a hazard symbol. With 10 different WHMIS symbols, each symbol will represent the potential hazard such as fire hazard, health hazard etc.
There are ten types of symbols in WHMIS, and they all are associated with specific classes and categories.
Here we have all the ten types of symbols, associated hazards, example and safe handling:
Symbol Name: Flame (Fire Hazard)
Hazards:
- Can burn at low temperature
- Can cause fire if exposed to flame, spark or friction
Safe Handling
- Keep away from heat to other source of spark or flame
- Do not smoke near these products
- Keep the container tightly closed
WHMIS Symbol Name: Flame Over Circle (Oxidizing Hazard)
Hazards:
- Can cause fire if in contact with combustible material
- Can explode or cause explosion when in contact with flammable
Safe Handling:
- Avoid any type of shock and friction
- Store this material in cool place
- Keep them away from heat, combustible and flammable materials
WHMIS Symbol Name: Exploding Bomb (Explosion Hazard)
Hazards:
- These materials are extremely sensitive to heat, friction and static electricity.
- Explosion can cause big risk for serious injury or death.
Safe Handling:
- These types of material should be handled by professional.
- Do not smoke near these products
- Keep the container tightly closed
WHMIS Symbol Name: Gas Cylinder (Compressed Gas Hazard)
Hazards:
- Compressed gas can cause severe burns from frostbite.
- Can explode if dropped, heated and exposed to different temperature.
Safe Handling:
- When transporting or handing they must be secured, and flashback arrestor must be used.
- Do not drop or expose to any type of heat source.
- Keep the container tightly closed and ensure that all the valves are properly closed.
WHMIS Symbol Name: Skull and Crossbones (Poison Hazard)
Hazards:
- Highly poisonous and immediately dangerous to life and health.
- Can cause permanent damage to some body organs if inhaled, ingested or enters through the skin.
Safe Handling:
- Do not breath gas or vapours, use your respiratory protective equipment when handing these types of products.
- Avoid any type of direct skin contact.
WHMIS Symbol Name: Corrosion
Hazards:
- Can cause eye and skin irritation and when exposed to them.
- Can cause severe tissue damage when exposed for longer period of time.
Safe Handling:
- Avoid any type of direct skin contact, always use personal protective equipment.
- Use respiratory protection when handling these products.
WHMIS Symbol Name: Exclamation Mark
Hazards:
- Can cause irritation or inflammation of the skin when exposed.
- Can cause irritation of the respiratory tract if inhaled.
Safe Handling:
- Wash your skin and hand thoroughly after handling.
- Store these products in well ventilated area and keep the container tightly closed.
WHMIS Symbol Name: Health Hazard
Hazards:
- Short term exposure can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Long term effect can cause cancer and respiratory sensitization.
Safe Handling:
- Keep products cool and dry and in well ventilated areas.
- Do not store on high cabinet or high shelves.
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use or empty.
WHMIS Symbol Name: Environment
Hazards:
- Long term effect can cause the bioaccumulation and degradation.
- It can reduce the spawning, genetic problem in offspring and behavioral changes in the aquatic life.
Safe Handling:
- Use these products in small amount and avoid release in the environment.
- Use secondary containment to prevent accident spill or leak.
WHMIS Symbol Name: Environment
Hazards:
- Can cause serious illness or death.
Safe Handling:
- Avoid any type of direct skin contact.
- Use personal protective equipment when handing these type of material.
If you have questions or concerns about WHMIS Training and the hazard symbols listed above, reach out to our team of HSE experts here!